Weekly News Briefs - 31 October 2024

Eastern Drive footpath works underway

Thanks to a funding injection from the Queensland Government’s 2024-27 South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, Council crews are currently undertaking footpath rehabilitation works on Eastern Drive, Gatton.

Crews have demolished and removed the existing pathway near the Karl Complex to construct a new 1.5-metre-wide footpath to allow pedestrians, including those pushing a pram, to walk safely and conveniently.

Crews will also construct two new landing and kerb ramps, to improve the safety and reliability of our services.

Weather permitting, works are expected to be complete next week.

New tenant sought for former Laidley Gym building

Council is calling for tenders to utilise the former Laidley Gym building, with tenders that support or enhance the purpose and existing uses and users of the Laidley Recreational Reserve preferred, but not strictly required.

The facility, located at Whites Road (east), Laidley, has recently become vacant following its long-term use as a gym. Earlier this year, the tenant flagged with Council they intended to cease operating and vacate the building.

This is an exciting opportunity for the fresh use of a facility that is centrally located in Laidley that can support or complement the sporting or wider community.

The facility has a 193m2 open indoor area, large verandah, storerooms, kitchen suitable for a canteen and amenities.

Tenders close on Friday 15 November 2024 at 2pm.

For more information on the opportunity and tender process visit https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-council/tenders-and-public-notices.

Council approves Development Permit timeframe for electricity generation infrastructure

At its October Council Meeting, Council approved an application to extend the period of three approvals associated with electricity generation infrastructure.

Located at Ranger Road, Adare, Council voted to extend the currency period of a Development Permit for a further four years until 29 June 2029. The applicant requested an extension to allow adequate time to complete the detailed design and ensure finalisation of the auxiliary switching yard and transmission lines.

Correspondence was provided from Energex dated 25 July 2024 confirming the facility, following design and construction, is expected to have an operational date of mid-2028 subject to other approvals, weather conditions and resourcing. The original application was refused by Council yet approved by the Planning and Environment Court in 2022.

Art Gallery welcomes a unique Body of Work

Come along to the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery to see Gatton resident Sarah Seletto’s aptly titled exhibition, “My Body of Work”.

Sarah looks to unpack the battle for body positivity through her collection of self-portraits that document the exploration of ways we see ourselves and our body.

Sarah uses colour, line, and angles to focus on different areas of her body and while some have bold, bright colour palettes, others use more realistic colours. It is hoped visitors leave the exhibition with the message that your body is deserving of love, regardless of how it looks.

My Body of Work is on now at the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery until 1 December 2024.

Positions vacant

Council is currently seeking applications for the positions of:

• Senior Governance Officer (Full Time, Maximum Term up to 12 months)
• Operations and Maintenance Officer (Full Time, Permanent)
• Trades Assistant (Full Time, Permanent)
• Business Support Officer (Full Time, Permanent).

These advertisements will close on Monday 4 November 2024 at 5pm.

• Tourism Officer (Casual)

This advertisement will close on Tuesday 5 November 2024 at 5pm.

To keep across the range of positions available at Council, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/work-for-council

Nominate now for Australia Day Awards

Nominate a community member, event or group for a 2025 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award.

You can honour a deserving local who has made a positive impact to the community by filling out a nomination form today.

Award categories include: Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year; Junior Sportsperson of the Year; Senior Sportsperson of the Year; Community Organisation of the Year; and Event of the Year.

Forms are available online on Council’s website, or grab a paper form at the Council offices in Gatton and Laidley, the Lockyer Valley Libraries or the Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre.

Nominations close 9 December 2024.